Latest Area News Headlines

WORTHINGTON - This year marks the 63rd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, established by Congress in 1952. The theme for the 2014 National Day of Prayer is “One Voice, United in Prayer,” emphasizing the need for individuals to join together in corporate prayer for their communities, their nation and their leaders.

There will be a noontime gathering, this year from noon to 1 p.m. on the lawn of the Nobles County Government Center. In case of inclement weather, the gathering will move indoors to the Farmers Room. There will be an evening “Concert of Praise & Prayer”...

WORTHINGTON – The abatement plan filed by Northland Mall owner Mike Kohen is insufficient, according to Worthington Director of Community and Economic Development Brad Chapulis. He explained to the city council Monday night that he and his staff had examined the plan of action Kohen had submitted last month and found there was no specific schedule or scope of work, and no executed contracts.

The city got involved with the mall last year when the old K-Mart portion of the property was found to be a hazard after a drug bust. Since that day, the city has been trying to work with Kohen...

WORTHINGTON — Music, art and poetry will all be celebrated at 4 p.m. today in the Fine Arts Theatre at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington Campus, as part of the Fine Arts Collaborative Exhibition program.

English instructor Karsten Piper will involve students with poetry readings, while art instructor Leah Gossom’s blossoming artists will discuss the artwork they have on display in the Fine Arts lobby. The Minnesota West College Chorale, presented by adjunct director Christine Thorson, is set to sing a short program of American folk songs, spirituals and...

WORTHINGTON – Water main reconstruction work began this week on Nobles Street from Minnesota 60 to Orchard Road, according to the City of Worthington Engineering Department. Motorists are asked to watch for traffic issues and workers in the construction zones.

WORTHINGTON - Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Leadercast® at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington Campus on May 9, 2014.

The Leadercast event is broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of sites around the world,...

OCHEYEDAN, Iowa — After an autopsy, the cause of death of an Ocheyedan, Iowa man was determined to be blunt force head injuries from an accidental fall in the victim’s home. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office investigated the death of Steven Bruce Noble, age 46, after responding to a 911 call Monday afternoon. The autopsy was performed Tuesday by Dr. Jonathan Thompson at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny.

WORTHINGTON - Cheryl Avenel-Navara recently announced her candidacy for the District 22B House of Representatives seat. She was endorsed by the DFL District...

SLAYTON – Interim CEO John Osse is already implementing changes at the Murray County Medical Center, but he stated during Tuesday’s Hospital Board meeting he sees no reason to change the management contract between the hospital and Sanford. Citizens have suggested, petitioned for and downright demanded the contract be allowed to expire and a new one be taken up with Avera, believing the four medical staff who left the hospital would return.

Osse said the contract is set to automatically renew May 1, and that is what will happen. He has not seen any breach of contract, he added....

WORTHINGTON – The Worthington Police Department received a report of an injury to an adult male Tuesday in the 1100 block of Sixth Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The initial incident report stated a male reported he had been stabbed in the stomach by two Hispanic males.

After investigating, authorities have determined that the wound was self-inflicted and that no perpetrators were involved.

WORTHINGTON – District 518 is one of 138 schools to receive a planning grant for the Safe Walk to School program, through the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Planning grants provide funding to help analyze existing conditions, gather public input and identify infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions at K-8 schools.

Plans will be completed by the Southwest Regional Development Commission or a planning consultant hired by MnDOT.

The district was not given a dollar amount, because MnDOT pays all expenses related to planning grants, including time put in by...

WORTHINGTON - The 10th Street Elevator at the Nobles County Government Center will be taken down for a rebuild on Tuesday. It is expected to be about a four week project. This will affect getting up to Public Health, Veterans Services and Administration offices and down to Extension and everything on the lower level. Staff and visitors will need to use the stairs.

Veterans who are unable to use the stairs may check in at the Recorder’s office and the Veteran’s Service Officer will meet with them in an office on the main floor.